Variegated and changeable color sign



Oct. 9, 1928. 1,686,615 P. BALNOJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGNFiled May 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 attorney Oct. 9, 1928. 1,686,615

P. BALNOJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 2, 1927 4Sheets-Shet 2 6 wuewtoz" pad 05% 9%,

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- P. BALNQJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 2, 192,7 4Sheets-Sheet 3 Fly. 6

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P. BALNOJAN VARIEGATED AND CHANGEABLE COLOR SIGN Filed May 1927 4Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Oct. 9, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PETER BALNOJAN, OF PANCEVO, YUGOSLAVIA. ASSIGNOR T JOHN YAHRAUS, KARLGOETTL, AND JOHN GOETTL, TBUSTEES, ALL 0F MANSFIELD, OHIO.

VARIEGATED AND OI-IANGEABLE COLOR SIGN.

Application filed May 2,

This invention relates to a sign or the like.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a sign that willautomatically display changeable and variegated colors continuallythrough the medium of colored glass or the like, the colors presentingan illuminated outline of the sign varying from a low or soft light toan intense or bright glow, then fading away gradually and repeating theoperation.

Another object is to provide means for automatically breaking thecircuit of the light current to shut off or on the illumination of thesign by the light globe or globes.

Another object is to provide automatic means for closing the circuit ofthe electric current at predetermined times and maintaining the currentclosed for certain intervals of time.

Another object is to provide means for imparting movement to coloredglass or the like mounted-on discs or the like which are positionedbehind the sign and illuminatedby electric light globe or globes andstopping the movement thereof at a predetermined time.

Further objects are to provide means for transmitting movement to thediscs and governing the speed of the movement of the discs and toprovide means for removably mounting a sign or emblem cut out of sheetmetal or the like and backing same with stippled glass or the like.

A further object is to provide means of constructing a variegated orchangeable color sign that can be made in one operative un t or aplurality of units which are operable by a single unit mechanism for thepurpose intended.

Another object is to construct a changeable and variegated sign andoperating mechanism therefor that can bemounted in a vertical orhorizontally positioned casing of any shape, form or configurationwithout materially changing the. operating mechanism.

Another object to construct a sign that will display a plurality ofvariegated and changeable colors by the use of a minimum number of lightglobes.- thereby producing a changeable and variegated color sign thatis economical in operation and the use of electric current.

1927. Serial No. 188,314.

These and other objects are obtained by the mechanism illustrated in theaccompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a rear view of the invention,the timing mechanism, transmission and means for operating a disc uponwhich different colored glass is mounted in spaced relation to eachother, the panel being shown in dotted outline.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of Fig. 1 taken on the line 22.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the casing timing mechanism andtransmission mechanism used for operating a plurality of discs uponwhich is mounted a series of different colored glass which arepositioned on the discs in spaced relation to each other. It also showsthe means of conducting current to the switches and electric globeswhich are mounted within suitable auxiliary casings.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of Fig. 3 taken on the line 4.4 thereof.

Fig. 5 is a detailed view of one disc upon which colored glass ismounted in spaced relation and also showing the cover of one casingwhich is provided with an opening and positioned in such a relation tothe colored glass and mounted on the disc to slightly overlap theopening at two points thereof.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of Fig. 3 showing two discs in sections at eachend and transmission sprockets.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation of Fig. 3 showing discs, glassbacking and conventional stencil sign.

Figs. 8 and 9 shows face views of discs having variegated colored glassmounted thereon in spaced apart relation to each other.

Fig. 10 shows avertical sectional view of Fig. 9 taken through thecenter thereof.

Fig. 11 shows a side elevation of the timing and transmission mechanismarranged to operate a plurality of discs which will illuminate a doublesign arranged on each side of a casing in which the mechanism ismounted. I 4

-Fig. 12 is a horizontal sectional view of Fig. 11 taken on the line12-12.

Fig. 13 is a vertical sectional view of Fig. 11 taken on the line 13-13.

Fig. 14c is a side or face view of a disc used for mounting coloredglass thereon and til having sprocket teeth formed on the periphery.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of Fig. 14 taken through the center thereof.

In the drawings Figs. 1 and 2 show the invention arranged for operationin combination with a single lighting and changeable color mechanism foruse when a small sign is desired.

The construction and assembling of the in vention for operating the discupon which the changeable and. variegated colored glass discs or thelike are mounted and which are to be illuminated by a single light orglobe is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The mechanism is installed and mountedin a circular casing comprising preferably a circular drum 1 having adown-turned annular flange 2 formed on one side and having the frontportion or side thereof surrounded by an annular angle iron member 3having one leaf thereof spaced apart from the down-turned flange 2.

The rear end of the drum is provided with an annular angle iron member4. A panel 5 is attached to the rear side of the casing and 1s ournaledto rotate 1n the bearings. The

is secured to the annular ring member 4 for strengthening and bracingpurposes. A disc 6 is attached to the panel and is provided with anaperture 7 for the purpose of supporting or hanging up the sign whendesired.

Spaced apart from the panel 5 a partition 8 is secured within the casingwhich is attached thereto by an annular angle iron member 9. Thepartition 8 is for the purpose of mounting and assembling the operatingmechanism thereon that operates a disc upon which a series of colored orvariegated glass 1s mounted in spaced apart relation. Between the panel5 and the partition 8 a motor 10 is provided and located at any pointtherein 2 found most convenient.

Transmission.

The motor carries a sprocket wheel 11. A bolt providing a bearing 12 issecured to the partition 8. Two sprocket wheels 13 and 14 are mountedupon the bearing 12 in spaced apart relation from each other andconnected by a hub 15. Y

The sprocket wheels 13 and 14 are prefer ably made integral with the hub15. A sprocket chain 16 imparts movement to the sprocket wheel 14 whichin turn imparts movement to the sprocket wheel 13.

A bolt providing a bearing 17 is secured to the upper portion. of thepartition 8 and two sprocket wheels 18 and 19 are mounted to rotatethereon. The sprocket wheels 18 and 19 are spaced apart by the hub 20and preferably made integral therewith. Motion is imparted to thesprocket wheels 18 and 19 by the sprocket chain 21.

Another bolt bearing 22 is secured to the partition 8 below the boltbearing 17 and above the sprocket wheel 14. A sprocket Wheel 23 having ahub 24 is mounted on the bearing 22 and it is also provided with a bellLighting mechanism.

An auxiliary circular casing 29 is fastened to the partition 8 by anannular ring member 30 leaving the front open. A cover 31 is fitted overthe open end of the casing 29 the flange 32 thereof fitting around theperiphery thereof. The cover is provided with an opening or aperture 33.

A cap shaped bearing 34 is fastened to the partition 8 and a similar capshaped bearing 35 is fastened to the cover 31 and a shaft 36 shaft alsopasses through an aperture formed in the cover 31 which also bearingtherefor.

Timing meckzmimn.

Upon the inner end of the shaft 36 a timing disc 37 is rigidly securedthereto by the set screw 38. The timing disc has mounted thereonadjacent to its periphery a series of shouldered stud shafts 39 whichare positioned upon and around the disc in circular position and inspaced apart relation to each other.

In the application of the invention as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the dischas 12 stud shafts 39 arranged thereon and rollers 40 are mounted torotate thereon. The number of discs and rollers mounted on the timingdisc can be varied as desired. On the opposite side of the timing disc37 pins 41 of any number more or less are secured in spaced apartrelation to each other.

F lashing nwclmnism.

In the drawings on Fig. 1 three pins 41 are shown but it will be notedthat the num- Movement is imparted to the provides a partial ber ofthese pins can be varied as desired.

The function of the pins will be described hereinafter. A disc 42 ismounted on the shaft 36 and connected rigidly thereto by the set screw43, and is preferably provided with three openings 44, 45 and 46 spacedapart from each other.

Different or variegated colored glass or the like is mounted within theopenings44, 45 and 46. The openings just described are madesubstantially of the same size as the opening 33 in the cover of thecasing 29.

The openings in the disc into which the colored glass are inserted arearranged to substantially aline with the opening 33 in the cover 31 whenrotated to receive the full glare of the light.- A lever 47- is mountedon the partition to pivot on a pin 48, one end thereof extending betweenthe sprocket 14 and the timing disc 37 and a-lined so as to come incontact with the pins 41 periodically when the disc is rotated.

The lever is held in normal position by the expansible spring 49 whichholds in against the stop pin 50 when in normal position. When thetiming disc 37 is rotated the pins 41 in sequence pivots the lever 47downward and the opposite end of the lever 47 pulls the chain 51 of theswitch 52 alternately flashing the globe 53 on or off.

In Figs. 1 and 2 three changes in flashing are made by the pins 41 onthe disc as each pin contacts with lever 47 the globe is alternatelylighted or shut off but, however, as stated other pins can be arrangedto contact with the lever 47 to flash the light on or out at variousperiodical times leaving the light on or 01f for differentperiods oftime as desired more or less.

The light plug member 54 is arranged to receive the current from themotor. The return and feed lines 55 and 56 are connected to the motor 10by the ordinary or conventional wiring for the operation of light globeswith respect to the operation of one umt.

Over the opening 33 a lens 57 is preferably attached'to provide a betterfocus of the light rays andto emit and project same in radiant lines asshown by numerals 58. A stippled glass 59 is preferably fitted betweenthe annular flange member 2 of the drum 1 and the annular angle ironmember 3.

Interposed between flange 2 and ring member 33, a stencil 60 is fittedhaving such wording, letters. emblems, or insignia formed thereon asdescribed and through whichthe light of the globe shines giving theoutllnes 1 of whatever configurationletter or words that are formed inthe stencil.

The above description describes the construction assemblage of the partsof the invention that perform the objects set out in the specificationfor a unit lighting means. If desired the openings 44, 45 and 46 in thediscs can be filled with different colored glass, or glass of variegatedcolors as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 for the purpose of givin more changesand blending of the colors in displaying the emblems, letters or figuresof the sign and also to illuminate same more intensely or softly thereonrunnin into or fading out of the colors as they blen into differentcolor schemes or combinations.

The operation of the invention as applied to use of a unit lightingmechanism in brief is as follows:

Motionv is transmitted from the motor 10 by the sprockets and sprocketchains hereinbefore described imparting movement to a bell crankactuator 25. The bell crank actuator revolves on the shaft 22 with thesprocket 23. I

In Figs. 1 and 2 the bell crank actuator is shown in normal position andwhen rotated three-fourths of a revolution the arm 27 will contact withone of the rollers 40 on the timing disc and impart movement thereto andrevolve or rotate same one-twelfth of a revolution; then the timing discremains stationary for, one-fourth of a revolution of the bell crankactuator at which time the arm 26 contacts with the next succeedingroller 40 and imparts another one-twelfth of a movement to the timingdisc; then the bell crank actuator rotates three-quarters of arevolution without moving the timing disc and it then continues torevolve thedisc in the same sequence and manner, moving the timing discto make a complete revolution and continuing the same operation.

Different or variegated colors of glass or the like are mounted in theopenings 44, 45 and 46 provided in the disc. The disc is rotated ormoved until in regular sequence each different or variegated coloredglass or the like mounted on the disc in normal position appearsopposite the opening 33 formed in the cover of the auxiliary disc 29 andthe light globe 53 located in the casing emits and projects the lightrays through the colored, variegated glass or the like against andthrough the stippled glass 59; thence through the stencil 60 showingdifferent, variegated and diversified colors on the glass through thestencil.

The colored glass or the like mounted on the disc for carrying same canbe changed or variegated in any combination as desired by the user.

The arrangement of the rollers on the timing disc which contact with thebell crank actuator is such that the colored glass mounted on the discin the'openings are moved (for illumination) from a positionsubstantially in line with the opening provided in the cover of the discsubstantially one-half the width of the colored glass mounted on thedisc or the opening in the cover.

In other words the movement of the bell crank actuator which impartsmovement to an g the timing disc having rollers mounted there- 42-movesto cover one-half of the opening inv the cover 31 of the auxiliarycasing 29 ;-thence it is moved substantially in alinement therewith. Theoperation described is then continuous and repeated.

The colored or variegated glass mounted in the openings 44, 45 and -16of the disc when in the position shown in Fig. 5 slightly overlaps theopening 33 of the points 62 and 63 when the portion 61 substantially'covers the opening 33. The portion of the disc 42 is slightly smaller atsaid point so as to permit a partial light to project through the glassand stencil sign at all times although faint.

'hen the sprocket gear 23 which carries the bell crank actuator 25 withits arms 26 and 27 is revolved a complete revolution for thethree-fourths of the revolution of the sprocket gear no movement isimparted to the timing disc, thereby holding the position of a sectionof the colored glass on the disc or discs upon which the glass ismounted in alinement with the opening 33 of the cover for full andintense glow of light through the stencil or sign for three-quarters ofa revolution thereof.

The other one-fourth movement of the bell crank actuator that iscompleted by the revolution of the sprocket wheel moves the timing discby means of arms 26 and 27 of the actuator one-sixth of a revolutioneach, but the arms 26 and 27 being spaced apart 90 degrees impartmovement to the timing discs at different intervals or in other wordsthe actuator revolves one-fourth of its revolution without impartingmovement to the timing disc.

The same construction and assemblage of the parts described is used forthe purpose of illuminating a series of light discs having differentcolored or variegated glass or the like mounted thereon and the samemeans also is used for the purpose of illuminating a double sign fromeach side of the casing.

As the same means as described is used for operating and displaying thevariegated and changeable colors for a double sign showing the slgn fromtwo sides of the casing as well as operating a plurality or series oflighting means or discs from one side of a casing, reference to saidmeans is hereby made to said Figures 1 and 2.

Figs. 3, 4:, 6 and 7 show the invention as disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2except that conventional means are used to operate and transmit movementto a series of discs arranged for simultaneous movement.

The structure and assemblage as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7 is the sameas shown in Figs. 1 and 2 except connecting means are shown to providefor movement of a series of discs as shown by said figures.

The same numerals on the drawings with referenceto Figs. 1 and 2 referto the same elements of the invention or device as shown in Figs. 3, 4,6 and 7 of the drawings, except exactly alike.

nism is mounted. Reference numerals 6666 represents compression springswhich are adapted to press against the timing disc and hold same innormal position.

A shaft 36. the same structure as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of thedrawings, as described hereinbefore is jou'rnaled and mountedsubstantially the same as described with respect to said Figs. 1 and 2but it is preferably made longer, extending outwardly from the side inspaced apart relation from the rectangular casing.

On the projecting end of the shaft 36 a sprocket wheel 67 is mounted andrigidly secured thereto by the set screw or the like. The shafts 36 ofeach unit of light mechanism for displaying the light, project beyondthe side ofthe casing and are located in alinement with each other. Theshaft 36 and the sprocket wheels 68, 69, 70 and 71 mounted on saidshafts 36'. A chain 72 engages therewith said sprocket and impartssimultaneous movement to the series of discs upon which the colored orvariegated glass is mounted and secured. .The center shaft 36 impartsthe same movementto the auxiliary shafts 36' that the timer imparts toit.

It will, of course, be understood that the colored glass mounted on thedisc or discs can be made of different colors or variegated as desiredin the separate units of the plurality of lighting discs therebycovering an extensive range of colors and combinations thereof.

In the operation of the series of discs as described the sign,configuration or emblem being displayed is continuously changing anddiversified in color. The colors change continuously The above describesthe operation of a plu rality of lighting units by the same means ashereinbefore described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2.

Figs. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 show the same operating means and lightingmechanisms as that described and shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings,except that last named figures show the invention applied to a doublesign, that is, showing the sign in variegated different colorcombinations oneach side thereof.

The timing disc 37 as shown in Fig. 13 has made integral therewithandlocated in opposite relation thereto, a sprocket wheel 73 which isrotated in synchronism with the timing disc by the bell crank actuator,as described.

The mechanism shown in the last named types is mounted upon a U-shapedsupporting member 74. An expansible spring 75 yieldingly holds the timerand sprocket and at no time are they blended wheel in their normalpositions. Movement is imparted to the disc upon which the colored glassis mounted thereto, illuminating each side of the casing as shown inFig. 11. The partitions 76 and 77 are secured to the casing 78 to theother end thereof.

Discs similar to those described and-shown on Figs. 1 and 2 havingmounted thereon colored or diversified glass are journaled in the capsbearing 7 9 and 80 and also partially in said partitions. They areattached to shafts 81 by the set screws 82.

The discs indicated by numerals 83 and 84 are similar to the dics 85 and86 and (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2) except that upon the peripherythereof a series of sprocket teeth 87 are formed thereon to receive andengage a sprocket chain 88 which engages the com-- bined sprocket wheeland disc 7 3 and the combined sprocket wheels and discs 85 and 86 of theother discs shown.

The specific construction of the discs with sprockets formed thereon isshown in Figs. 14 and 15. In order to'take the slack out of the sprocketchains 88 and 7 2 a small adjustable sprocket wheel 89 is provided andused as shown in Fig. 11.

The operation, construction and assemblage of the parts in all respectsas shown in all of the figures are the same except that connecting meansare employed to adapt the invention for use in operating a pluralit ofdiscs and to display the combination of colors on the sign from bothsides of the casing.

I The stippled glass on each side of the casing shown in Figs. 12 and 13is indicated by reference numerals 90 and 91.

The casing for the double sign and for a. plurality of discs ispreferably made rectangular in shape as shown butcan be varied asdesired. It will be noted that the mechanism herein described for usefor a double sign or a series of lights for a single sign is the same asthat shown and described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2 for the unitlighting mechanism.

The above describes a conventional means of using the operatingmechanism for a single or double sign or a plurality of lightingmechanisms all being operated in a similar manner and for achieving theobjects hereinbefore set out.

It is further suggested that many changes in detail and immaterialalterations may be made in the mechanism above described and outlinedwithout deviating from the spirit or principle of the invention hereinset out. Hence, I do not limit myself to the exact construction as shownin the drawings and described in the specification.

It will be apparent from a study of the construction and operation ofthe signsdescribed that changeable and variegated colors can be shownoutlining the letters, emblem or insignia, that the colors will bevaried in intensity from a bright intense glow to a soft glow blendinginto and out of each other with various shades of light and that theperiodical movement of each disc will show different and variegatedcombinations of colors and different shades thereof, or in other wordsbreaking up and vanishing the color combinations and then graduallyemitting and projecting an intense illumination of the sign.

It will also be observed that different light ing effects can be made bylocating the lighting globes in different parts of the casing andfurther that movement can be imparted to the various mechanisms otherthan by a motor such as for instance, attaching same to a revolvingshaft or the like receiving power from some other source.

It will also be observed that the speed'of the mechanism for operatingthe lightmg and timing means of the signs can be varied.

The invention can be ap lied and installed in any type, shape or conguration of a casing such as hexagon, octagon, round, rectangular,square or other modification of shape without the exercise of invention.

l-Vhen it is desired to change the subject matter of the sign thestencil plate can be removed and another stencil plate with differentsubject matter inserted in the casing in juxtaposition to the stippledglass.

Attention is further called to the fact that the timing of the discswith respect to the opening in the cover can be altered or adjusted bychanging the sprocket chain on the sprocket wheel to engage another linkof the chain either forward or backward and that the cover of the casingcan be adjusted around the casing to aline with the openings in the discat different points by shifting the cover back and forth around thecasing.

I claim:

1. In a changeable and variegated color sign, a sign plate, means tochange the color of the sign plate, a globe, a switch controlling theillumination of the globe, means to flash on and off the switchconnected to the globe that illuminates the sign whereby different andvariegated colors of the sign can be shown from fading out to an intenseglow as and for the purpose described.

2. In a changeable and variegated color sign, a sign plate, means tochange and variegate the colors of the sign, a lighting globe, means toflash the globe on or off through the medium of a switch and meanswhereby different and variegated colors of the sign can be shown varyingor blending from fadingout to an intense glow, as and for the purposedescribed. v

3. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencilarranged on thecasing, a stippled glass in juxtaposition to the stencil,a disc having colored glass mounted to rotate within the casing andpositioned to aline with the stippled glass and stencil, an auxiliarycasing having a light globe mounted therein and enclosing said disc andhaving an opening formed therein to aline with the colored glassmounted-on the rotating disc.

4. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencilarranged on the casing, a stippled glass arranged in juxtaposition tothe stencil, a disc having colored glass mounted thereon to rotatewithin the casing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass andstencil, an auxiliary casing having a light globe mounted thereinenclosing said disc and having an opening formed therein to aline withthe colored glass mounted on the rotating disc and means tointermittently rotate the disc.

5. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencilarranged on the casing, a stippled glass arranged in juxtaposition tothe stencil, a disc having colored glass mounted to rotate within thecasing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass and stencil, anauxiliary casing having a light globe mounted therein enclosing saiddisc, having an opening formed therein to aline with the colored glassmounted on the rotating disc, a timing means connected to said disc, andmeans to rotate the timing means and thereby the disc at predeterminedintervals.

6. In a changeable and variegated transparent sign, a casing, a stencilarranged on the casing, a stippled glass fitted in juxtaposition to thestencil, a plurality of discs having colored glass mounted to rotatewithin the casing and positioned to aline with the stippled glass andstencil, auxiliary casings,

light globes mounted in said casings, a coverfor the discs havingopenings therein to aline with the colored glass mounted on the rotatingdiscs, means to rotate the discs, a timing apparatus rotated atintervals and con-" nected to rotate the discs simultaneously therewithand means to flash the light globes on or off at predetermined times.

7. In a changeable color sign, a sign, a source of illumination, meansintermediate the source of illumination. and the sign for controllingthe illumination of the sign, and

a portion of the opening and thereafter through the full opening.

9. In a changeable color sign, a sign, a source of illuminationtherefor, a member arranged between the sign and source of illuminationto control the lighting of the sign from said illumination, and meansfor intermittently operating said member to pcriodically varythe degreeof illumination on the sign without completely interrupting suchillumination.

10. In a changeable color sign, a sign, a source of illuminationtherefor, a member arranged between the sign and source of illuminationto control the lighting of the sign from said illumination, and meansfor intermittently operating said member to periodically vary the degreeof illumination on the sign without completely interrupting suchillumination, said operating means controlling the member to vary thetime periods of the respective degrees of sign illumination.

11. A changeable color sign including a sign plate, a source ofillumination for said sign plate, and a disc intermediate the source ofillumination and sign plate and formed with openings adapted when inline with the source of illumination to permit a full illumination ofthe sign plate, and means for operating the disc to cause it to haveperiods of rest with its opening partly in line with the source ofillumination at one interval and wholly in line with the source ofillumination at another interval.

12. A changeable color sign including a sign plate, a source ofillumination for said sign plate, and a disc intermediate the source ofillumination and'sign plate and formed with openings adapted when inline with the source of illumination to permit a full il-' lumination ofthe sign plate, and means for operating the disc to cause it to haveperiods of rest with its opening partly in line with the source ofillumination at one interval and wholly in line with the source ofillumination at another interval, said means maintaining the position ofpartial illumination for a less interval than the position of fullillumination. a

13. In a changeable color sign, a casing, 21. sign plate carriedthereby, a source of illumination for the casing, a disc operatingbetween the source of illumination and the sign plate and formed withopenings adapted in the movement of the disc to permit the passage oflight rays from the source of illumination to and through the signplate, a timing member for controlling the movement of the disc, andmeans for operating the timing member to successively present theopenings in the disc first partly in line with the source ofillumination and then fully in line therewith.

14. In a changeable color sign, a' casing, a

sign plate carried thereby, a source of illumination for the casing, adisc operating be. tween the source of illumination and the sign plateand formed with openings adapted in the movement of the disc to permitthe passage of light rays from the source of illumiings in the disc inline wlth the source of il opening with the source of illumination.

lumination, said actuator initially moving the member to partly align anopening with the source of illumination and thereafter moving the discto completely align said 15. In a changeable color sign, a sign plate, asource of illumination therefor, a light controlling disc formed withopenings and arranged between the source of illumination and the signplate, a timing member for oper-" ating the disc, and an actuator foroperating the timing member, said actuator in a complete cycle ofmovement imparting two relatively similar movements to the timing memberand to the disc for varying the degree of illumination on the sign,these respective movementsbeing of different time duration. A

16. A. changeable color sign including a sign plate, a source ofillumination therefor,

a disc formed with a plurality of openings, transparent members ofdiiferent colors in the respective openings, a timing member connectedto and operating the disc, rollers mounted on the timing member and anactuator having arms to operate the timing member, the respective armsbeing arranged at relatively right angles whereby, in a cycle r ofactuation of the operator, the timing member and thereby the disc isgiven two movements of diflerent time duration to thereby vary theillumination transmitted to the sign through the disc openings.

17. A changeable color sign including a sign plate, sources ofillumination for the sign plate, a series of discs formed with openingsbetween the sources of illumination and the respective sign plates, andmeans for simultaneously operating said discs to first present theopenings therein partly in line with the sources of illumination andthereafter present the openings therein fully in line with the sourcesof illumination.

18. A changeable color sign includin 'a sign plate, a source ofillumination there or, a switch for controlling the source ofillumination, a disc movable between the source of illumination and thesign plate and formed with an opening to permit the passage of lightrays to the sign plate, a timing element connected to the disc foroperating the same, means for intermittently operating the timingelement topermit a short period of rest thereof during which theopening.- in the disc is partly in line with the source of illuminationand a longer period of rest thereof during'which the opening in the discis fully in line with the source of illumination, and means carried bythe timing element for operating the switch in accordance with themovement of the disc.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

